In recent years our society has seen a dangerous increase in rates of Diabetes, Heart Disease, Cancer, Obesity and a range of compulsive disorders including ADD/ADHD. These increased rates have been shown to affect not only the adult population, but the young one as well. The CDC estimated that “Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years.1 The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2010. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to 18% over the same period.1 In 2010, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.1”
With these kind statistics it is obvious that we are in need of drastic changes. Albert Einstein defined insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. If we want a better future for our children we must change the way we think and act.
ADD/ADHD and other related childhood compulsive behaviors are constantly on the rise. ”Parents report that approximately 9.5% of children 4-17 years of age (5.4 million) have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2007. The percentage of children with a parent-reported ADHD diagnosis increased by 22% between 2003 and 2007. Rates of ADHD diagnosis increased an average of 3% per year from 1997 to 2006 and an average of 5.5% per year from 2003 to 2007 2” (CDC).
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If we compare the rates of childhood obesity and other childhood chronic disease to the increasing rates of ADD/ADHD and other compulsive disorders we notice an obvious correlation. Adding more dangerous prescription drugs to the child’s body is not always the answer. Ritalin and other stimulant prescriptions have increased dramatically in recent years, making the US the world biggest consumer by far. “Overall, prescription use among 6-12-year-olds was highest, going from 4.2 percent in 1996 to 5.1 percent in 2008. But the fastest growth of prescribed use occurred among 13-18-year-olds, going from 2.3 percent in 1996 to 4.9 percent in 2008″ 7. More often than not, the cause of the problem, whether it be ADD, ADHD or other compulsive behaviors is not the lack of Ritalin (methylphenidate), or other dangerous habit-forming drugs, but how well the child’s nervous system is functioning.
Chiropractic care, plays a big part in stabilizing the child’s nervous system and developing brain as Dr. Pamela Stone-McCoy pointed out in her recent study, 4. Further, Dr. McCoy noted that the child’s posture, as well as his motor ability and daily movement greatly influence his brain function. There are numerous other studies demonstrating the beneficial affects of chiropractic care in children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, Autism and other compulsive behaviors 5,6.
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Chiropractic care also address the specific nutritional needs and deficiencies that the child may have due to years of malnourishment. It is well documented that a deficiency in Omega 3 fatty acids can cause compulsive disorders such as ADD/ADHD and thus by supplementing we can reduce or in some cases reverse the condition3 (Nutrition Journal).
In conclusion, it is essential to stabilize one’s nerves system using chiropractic care, eat a whole, raw organic and mainly plant based diet. We must avoid sugar, processed food and drinks, and of course get plenty of exercise and ample sun exposure. Call and schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Ofek to see if chiropractic care is right for your family.
770-435-8890 www.ofekchiropractic.com
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